Com-Ed Seeks Input On Transmission Line

On Tuesday, Com-Ed will begin a series of public hearings on a proposed transmission line for several northern Illinois counties.

The utility says the transmission line would connect a substation in Byron with another near Elgin. That means the line would travel across several counties including Ogle, DeKalb, and Kane.

Com-Ed spokesman Paul Callighan says it's being done in response to requests from federal officials to remove so-called gridlock along overhead power lines.

"There's somewhat of a bottleneck in this area. It's almost getting to the point where it's rush hour all the time," Callighan said.

Com-Ed says creating a more reliable system could help to contain costs for customers. If approved by regulators, the line wouldn't be up and running until 2017.

The company says the input is needed as officials finalize a route and at least one alternative route. Tuesday's hearing begins at 4:00 at the Calvary Lighthouse Church. Another hearing will be held Thursday in Sycamore.